A Hamilton variety store clerk is in hospital with serious head injuries after he was pistol whipped during a robbery early today.

Police said the clerk was struck several times over the head with a handgun during the 2 a.m. robbery at a store on Garth Street at Garrow Drive, just south of the Lincoln Alexander Parkway. Police found him covered in blood and he was taken to hospital, where he remains with serious injuries.

The bandit fled the store with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Four hours later, police say they believe the same robber hit a variety store at Hwy 8 and DeWitt Road in Stoney Creek. There were no injuries in this robbery.

Police are looking for a man said to be non-white, about six feet tall weighing 170 pounds. He wore a grey hoodie and dark-coloured jeans.